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AHMM's Google HQ designs delayed

AHMM's original proposals for Google new HQ (approved September 2013) - model shot

Source:
AHMM

AHMM has refused to comment on speculation that the design review of Google’s £650million UK headquarters could take as long as two years

Last November the search engine giant ordered the practice to draw up a ‘more ambitious’ design for Google’s proposed new flagship office building at King’s Cross.

However, overnight reports quoting sources close to the London scheme suggest the evaluation could take as long as two years due to Google conducting an international review of planned worldwide projects including the development of a global HQ in Mountain View, California.

Meanwhile it has emerged Mossessian & Partners has landed a major office scheme on a nearby plot within the Argent-backed redevelopment north of King’s Cross station.

Michel Mossessian was among the architects who presented ideas to the developer as part of the AJ/Argent charrette back in 2006.

Argent would not release details about the commission, however a spokesperson said: ‘Mossessian & Partners is one of many practices that we are working with on a variety of buildings across the development.

‘At present that work is at an early stage and remains subject to the normal design reviews and stakeholder consultations that all King’s Cross buildings go through.’

Mossessian was unavailable for comment.

Previous story (AJ 06.11.13)

AHMM to start again on Google HQ designs

Google has told AHMM to redesign its plans for the search engine giant’s proposed new London headquarters at King’s Cross

The practice has been asked to come up with a ‘more ambitious’ design for the US-based internet company’s flagship office building - just two months after successfully steering the original proposals for a huge 93,000m², £650million development through planning (AJ 06.09.13).

It is understood the ‘review of the detailed design for the building’ will sit within the floor plan of the previous scheme just to the north of King’s Cross station’s new concourse.

David Clementi, chairman of the King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership said: We fully understand Google’s reasons for reviewing their requirements at King’s Cross and we look forward to working with them to create the headquarters that they aspire to.’

Subject to planning approval, Google’s staff are now scheduled to move in during 2017. The scheme was originally planned to open in late 2016.

AHMM’s original proposals for Google new HQ (approved September 2013) - model shot

Previous story (AJ 06.09.13)

AHMM wins planning for £650m Google HQ

Blossoming big hitter AHMM has won planning permission for Google’s £650 million headquarters building in King’s Cross, London

Camden Council unanimously approved the huge 93,000m² development, which will bring together all of the search engine giant’s London staff under one roof, at a planning committee meeting last night (5 September).

The latest addition to Argent’s 27-hectare King’s Cross regeneration vision ranges in height from seven to eleven storeys and features 68,000m² of office space and 4,600m² of retail.

The 250-strong practice has seen its turnover and staff grow nearly 40 per cent over the last 12 months and, earlier this year, the outfit burst into the AJ100 top ten for the first time in its history (AJ 08.05.2013).

AHMM’s co-founder Simon Allford said: ‘Thursday was a big night for the very many of us involved in two major projects for Google and Helical/Crosstree on the roundabout at Old Street.

A very good night all round that went on into the evening

‘Courtesy of a black cab and serendipitous scheduling by Camden and Islington’s planning committees I was able attend both meetings to see both projects unanimously approved. So a very good night all round that went on into the evening. Both projects were programmed to move ahead in the hope of consent so, thankfully, no change at AHMM as we press on to site.’

The practice is working on a clutch of much-anticipated projects around the capital, including the redevelopment of BBC Television Centre in Shepherd’s Bush and the reworking of the former Guardian building in Farringdon Road.

Previous story (AJ 28.06.2013)

AHMM submits Google HQ plans

[First look + plans] AHMM has submitted a reserved matters planning application for a new £650 million Google’s headquarters building in King’s Cross, London

Planned to open in late 2016, the 93,000m² development will house all of the search engine giant’s London staff – currently based in Victoria and Holborn – under one roof.

Submitted to local authority Camden Council, the project is the latest addition to Argent’s 27-hectare King’s Cross regeneration vision which won outline planning seven years ago.

The mixed-use proposal ranges from seven to eleven storeys and features 68,000m² of office space and 4,600m² of retail.

Simon Allford, director of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, said: ‘This building is underpinned by cutting edge design intelligence and technologies to provide a sophisticated twenty first century working environment for Google’s staff.

‘The architectural approach, which has taken inspiration from King’s Cross and St Pancras International railway stations, complements the local area’s strong industrial heritage and will be a building London can be proud of.’

Google UK’s managing director Dan Cobley said: ‘Building our new headquarters in King’s Cross is good for Google and good for London. We’re committed to the UK and to playing a role in the regeneration of this historic area.’

David Partridge, director of Argent King’s Cross, said: ‘This project is hugely important for King’s Cross and underlines our commitment to support world class design. It will attract further investment into the wider area and act as a catalyst for the local economy and the community which we are building.’

The one hectare project is planned to start on site in early 2014 subject to planning.

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